Sheila A. Fisher, Ph.D.
As a Clinical Psychologist in private practice for over twenty years, the restoration and renovation of a Victorian house and an 1895 bank building hardly seemed like a logical next step in Dr. Fisher’s life…but she volunteered for the job immediately. When Mary Regula called Dr. Fisher shortly after her retirement, Mary told her that she wanted to create a Library and Education Center concerning the history of America’s First Ladies’ impact and contributions to our society. Although born in Canada, Dr. Fisher understood the importance of education and patriotism about the country in which we live. Realizing that women have a tremendous impact on family decisions and education, as she witnessed in her professional work, she also saw that too often, women’s value was unrecognized and dismissed. Mary Regula’s project sounded extremely important, interesting and challenging, so Dr. Fisher was honored to be one of thirteen women chosen to volunteer and help establish a library dedicated to the contributions of these great First Ladies. Dr. Fisher’s love of architecture and Victorian interior design led Mary and the rest of the Board to suggest that Sheila become in charge of the restoration, renovation and acquisition as a full-time volunteer to help Mary establish the National First Ladies' Library and Education Center. Community education and involvement has always been a priority for Dr. Fisher, who was the Founder and trainer of volunteers for the Stark County Suicide and Crisis Prevention Center. She was a 24 hour-a-day volunteer and professional consultant for the Crisis Center for ten years. As a psychologist, Sheila authored a book titled Suicide and Crisis Prevention: A Guide to Services which was used in universities and crisis centers all around the world. Dr. Fisher served on the Board of the Ohio Psychological Society and the Board for Education and Research in Professional Psychology. Dr. Fisher also developed a two day seminar called “The Productive Power of Stress” for industry executives. Some of her many speaking engagements include: being invited to be the speaker for The First Canadian Conference of Suicide and Crisis Center sponsored by the Canadian Government, a Convocation Speaker for Mt. Union College, a National NBC Television Program for one hour on “Stress and Confusion” and many professional conferences. Some of her Awards include receiving “Mental Health Volunteer of the Year” from the Stark County Mental Health Association, the Award of Merit from the Ohio Historical Society, and the “ Virda Laura Stewart Award” from Case Western University. She was also listed on “The Wall of Fame” by the Ohio Bicentennial Committee, “Who’s Who in Ohio” and “Who’s Who of American Women.” Dr. Fisher and Mary Regula also received the “Historical Renovation Award” from the Northern Ohio Live magazine. Dr. Fisher has been a long-time member of the Aultman Hospital Women’s Board, a Volunteer Angel of the Museum of Art in Canton, was on the Advisory Board of The Schepens Eye Research in Boston, MA as well as the advisory board of Mount Union College. Dr. Fisher is married to Jack B. Fisher, and they have 3 children and 6 grandchildren.
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